Coach firm bought by FirstGroup

FirstGroup said Lakeside had 'grown significantly' in recent years

The Shropshire and Cheshire-based coach company, Lakeside Coaches, has been bought by FirstGroup.

Based at a main depot in Ellesmere, Lakeside has a fleet of about 145 buses and coaches and five smaller depots.

The Lakeside Group also runs Merediths Coaches and A. T. Brown Coaches.

Aberdeen-based FirstGroup said the acquisition allowed it to increase its presence in the West Midlands.

It added the majority of Lakeside’s revenue came from school and private hire contracts and had "grown significantly over recent years", reporting revenues of £12.5m at the end of the last financial year.

FirstGroup said there were no plans for any job losses at Lakeside Group.

It has not said how much it spent on the purchase.